CDC Theatre A Doll’s House, Part 2.
CDC Theatre in Cranford is mounting its first live production since Covid-19 restrictions forced the cancellation of all in-person activities at the 102-year-old theatre in March of 2020. A Doll’s House, Part 2 by Lucas Hnath, will be presented on June 11,12 and 13.
A modern sequel to Ibsen’s masterpiece A Doll’s House, audiences do not have to know the original to be drawn into this modern continuation of the story. In the final scene of Ibsen’s groundbreaking masterwork, Nora Helmer makes the shocking decision to leave her husband and children to begin a life on her own. This climactic event, when Nora slams the door on everything in her life, instantly propelled world drama into the modern age.
It was shocking for audiences to watch Nora leave her husband and children in Ibsen’s 1879 play. How shocking is it for us, in 2021, to dive deeper into the reasons behind that fateful choice with playwright Lucas Hnath’s evolution of the story?
In A Doll’s House, Part 2, fifteen years have passed since Nora’s exit. Now, there’s a knock on that same door. Nora has returned. But why? And what will it mean for those she left behind?
The characters take turns sharing their versions of what could have, would have, or should have happened, and there is unexpected humor to be found in the serious nature of the subject matter. While this play is a kind of deconstruction of the original play, it also stands on its own as we get to ask ourselves how much we think life has changed for Nora, and for women who see themselves in her, in a world that continues to have strong ideas about where she belongs.
Though suitable for a broad audience, some of the language makes the play inappropriate for younger children. All current pandemic restrictions and precautions will be enforced. Masks are mandatory for the entire performance and seating is limited. Tickets are available on-line at cdctheatre.org.
